cityscape
November Can Be a Dangerous Month for Pedestrians
Police and City launch safety campaigns at what is often the deadliest time of year for walking.
Photo by Ben Roffelsen, from the Torontoist Flickr pool.
Around the time we turn our clocks back and prepare ourselves for the onset of winter, Toronto streets become more hazardous for pedestrians. November, explains a TPS news release, “has traditionally been the month when pedestrians are involved in the most collisions.” In 2013—Toronto’s worst for traffic fatalities in almost a decade—November saw nine deaths. Already this year, 23 pedestrians—nine of them seniors—have been killed.
In response, the TPS has launched “STEP UP and Be Safe,” a pedestrian safety campaign running from November 3 to November 9. Police and parking enforcement offers will be keeping a close eye on how pedestrians and motorists are behaving near crosswalks, intersections, and areas used by children and seniors.
The City has also relaunched its “Stay Alert—Stay Safe” campaign, which features posters on the sides of TTC buses warning motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists to remain aware of one another on the road.
This time of year is especially risky for pedestrians in part because of reduced daylight hours, which can make them harder to spot. “If you are wearing dark clothes,” the City cautions, “be aware that drivers will have a harder time seeing you.” And “if brighter clothing is an option, please consider.”